The IHC Connect Shore to Dredger Connection Explained and in Practical Use
Type:
Presented during:
WODCON XXII - Enhance the Harmony between Dredging and Ecology
Authors:
R. Mourik, M. van Eeten
Abstract
"This paper addresses the latest development of an adequate safe bi-directional ship to shore connection to achieve equal data on shore as on the dredger and the ability to make changes in the electronic installation and the dredger’s operation. The dredging industry, like other industries in the Industry 4.0 era, has become ever more data intensive. Communication technologies continue to develop, accompanied by increasing demand for more process information, faster maintenance or repair response times and higher levels of equipment availability. So remote services are increasingly in demand, especially in the capital-intensive dredging industry, where there are less technical experts available. The dredgers as part of Internet of Things (IoT) have access to the valuable Internet of Services (IoS). This challenge is by the larger part resolved by developing the IHC Connect Platform (ICP) achieving a world –wide access to an internet connected dredger. ICP is a general information acquisition and communication platform specially designed for the dredging industry and its requirements, like a safe connection from sea to shore. The platform provides secure access to all onboard automation systems and it can monitor virtually any process on board. This will make the information available through an easy-to-use web Portal. The key characteristic of ICP is the flexibility for supporting all types of electronic systems as used in dredging, together with the provision for customers with the freedom to build-in features that meet their particular demands. The system breaks down into four modules that can be configured, mixed and matched according to every customer’s needs. The paper will explain the function of the particular modules in further depth, the modules being; the Connect Box, the Connect Ship to Shore Connection, the Connect Management Centre and the Connect Web Portal. In addition, the related experience with the commissioning of new dredgers and the remote support by the Technical Service Center (TSC), once the dredgers are in operation, are greatly improved. With as a final touch the onshore use of the Dredge Fleet Monitoring System (DFMS) app as ergonomic access for the human non-expert user. This will be analyzed and commented on based on the latest experiences in our world-wide dredging industry."
Keywords: Industry 4.0, monitoring,